The Senior Prophet of Christ MercyLand Deliverance Ministry, Abuja, Jeremiah Fufeyin, has vehemently refuted allegations claiming that his ministry is misusing the name of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to deceive the public regarding spiritual items.
In a statement released on Sunday, the church’s media division addressed the accusations as unfounded and misleading. This response follows a recent announcement by NAFDAC warning the public about the church’s alleged misrepresentation of the agency’s identity.
The church stated that it operates strictly within the law and respects all regulatory bodies, including NAFDAC. It highlighted its adherence to Sections 38 and 39 of the Nigerian Constitution, which safeguard freedom of religion and expression.
The statement emphasized the church’s commitment to its faith and biblical teachings, asserting that the use of spiritual items aligns with their religious beliefs. They categorically denied any claims suggesting that NAFDAC was issuing warnings regarding the ministry’s operations.
“We have never deceived the public. Our church does not produce or sell consumable items, nor have we used NAFDAC’s name for deceptive purposes,” the ministry declared.
Furthermore, the church revealed that the only legal issue currently pending involves a complaint from an individual identified as Mr. Martins Vincent Otse, known as Verydarkblackman, who has been taken to court by the church over various allegations.
Fufeyin’s ministry confirmed receipt of a letter from NAFDAC dated August 27, 2024, inviting the church’s leader for an inquiry into the use of miracle and healing items. However, the church criticized the short notice, stating that they received less than 12 hours to respond and have since communicated their position to NAFDAC through formal channels.
Additionally, the church accused the complainant of submitting forged receipts to support his claims, asserting that these documents do not align with the receipts typically issued by their accounting office and contain discrepancies.
“We have notified NAFDAC about the ongoing police investigation concerning these receipts. Despite this, we have yet to receive any acknowledgment or response from the agency regarding our communications,” the statement concluded.
